Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously approved a direct-award services agreement with Montréal en Histoires to reactivate the Cité Mémoire route in Vieux-Montréal from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. The goal, as described by city staff, is to support cultural activity and tourism in the city centre.
- Montréal en Histoires will provide projections of 10 tableaux (scenes) from the route.
- The agreement has a maximum cost of $789,850, taxes included, including $100,000 for equipment maintenance over three years.
- The council authorized a $721,240 budget transfer, for 2026–2028, from the Service du développement économique to the Service de la culture, des sports et des loisirs.
What it means for you#
- Residents and visitors: The city is paying to bring back 10 scenes of Cité Mémoire in Vieux-Montréal. The materials do not set out the projection schedule or exact locations.
- Taxpayers: The city will cover the expense. The decision does not create a direct payment or new service entitlement for residents.
Money#
The maximum contract cost is $789,850, taxes included, or $721,240 net of tax rebates.
- The city authorized a transfer of $721,240 from the economic development service to the culture, sports and recreation service. City staff say the funding comes from the Stratégie centre-ville budget and the Entente Réflexe 3 with Québec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy.
- Payments for the services are due every three months, against invoices detailing presentation hours and days for each scene. Approved equipment-maintenance costs are reimbursed against detailed invoices.
- City staff say the expense has no impact on the city’s financial framework and is funded entirely by the central city.
What is unclear#
- The decision material does not give the full agreement, projection schedule, or exact locations.
- The agreement starts January 1, 2026, but council approved it on May 11. The materials do not explain how work or payments for the earlier months are handled.
- No performance measures or reporting requirements are described in the material.
Case for#
- City staff say the project would support cultural activity in Vieux-Montréal and help position Montréal as a destination for multimedia art.
- The agreement includes funding to maintain the equipment, as well as to present the 10 scenes.
Case against#
- The city is awarding the contract directly, rather than through a call for tenders. The materials do not compare the price or services with alternatives.
- Without the full agreement, projection schedule, and performance measures, it is hard to assess what the city will receive for the maximum cost.